In what sense is Jimmy Porter an unheroic hero?

Answer

In what sense is Jimmy Porter an unheroic hero? Elucidate. [NU: 2019] 

Or can Jimmy Porter in “Look Back in Anger” be seen as an anti-hero? 

John Osborne’s  (1929 -1994)  play “Look Back in Anger” (1956) changed modern British theatre. Its hero, Jimmy Porter, is very different from a traditional hero. A normal hero is brave, noble, and inspires respect. But Jimmy is angry, rude, selfish, and bitter. He fights against society but hurts the people close to him. Because of this, he is not a heroic figure.

Idea of an Unheroic Hero: An unheroic hero (or anti-hero) is the main character of a story. He does not have the noble or ideal traits of a traditional hero. Instead, he may be selfish, cruel, angry, or weak, but he is still the central figure. Jimmy Porter is a clear example of such an anti-hero in Osborne’s play. The answer is presented below in light of the question.

Jimmy’s Anger and Frustration: Jimmy Porter is full of anger. He cannot accept the dull, middle-class life around him. He mocks the lifeless society he sees. In Act I, he says:

“Let’s pretend that we’re human beings, and that we’re actually alive.”

This sarcastic line shows his frustration. It highlights people who live without real passion. A heroic man inspires others, but Jimmy only spreads bitterness. His anger makes him more destructive than helpful.

Loss of Purpose and Disillusionment: Jimmy feels his generation has no great causes to fight for. He compares himself to earlier generations who had wars and noble struggles. In Act I, he says:

“I suppose people like me aren’t supposed to be very patriotic.”

This shows that Jimmy does not feel proud of his country. Instead of leading with courage like a hero, he feels trapped in boredom and hopelessness. His words reveal a man who has lost purpose, not a hero or a leader. 

Cruelty and Abusive Nature: Jimmy often speaks cruelly to